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The line between FlexiTime and flexible working has become increasingly blurred in today's workplace, causing headaches for managers and HR professionals alike. This episode dives straight into the heart of this common confusion with a relatable scenario - Dave breezing in late, claiming "I'm on flexi time," then later submitting a formal flexible working request to work from home every Friday.

Through clear explanations and practical scenarios, we break down the fundamental differences between these two workplace concepts. FlexiTime operates as a "workplace piggy bank for hours" - a discretionary perk allowing employees to bank hours and use them later, usually within set bandwidths. It exists only if your contracts or policies specify it. Meanwhile, flexible working represents a statutory legal right governed by the Employment Rights Act 1996 and the 2024 Employment Relations Flexible Working Act amendments, which now grant day-one requesting rights to all employees.

The episode walks through the specific five-step process for handling flexible working requests correctly, highlighting potential pitfalls like the "endless trial" where temporary arrangements become permanent by default, the discriminatory trap of inconsistent approvals, and the "knee-jerk no" that tribunals routinely reject. You'll learn the eight valid business reasons for refusal and how to document your decision-making process properly.

Our "Mythbuster Parade" tackles common misconceptions head-on, while the final Q&A section addresses real-world scenarios like competing requests, policy updates, and handling trial periods. By the end, you'll have a practical framework for keeping these concepts distinct and managing both systems effectively in your workplace. Subscribe, leave a review, and email your trickiest HR questions to podcast@kateunderwoodhr.co.uk for future episodes!

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